Whatever It Takes

Chapter- Seventeen

Oliver held my waist as I stood in front of him. Since I was short, and he was sitting on the bed, we were the same height. My arms were grasped together behind his neck.

"I think we can handle these mid-terms this year. We can study together if you want." He suggested.

"I know, but you know me. I'm freaking out inside." I said. He arms locked behind me and I was pulled on top of him. Our lips slid together, and made a smack sound as we stopped kissing.

"Better?" He asked. I giggled and pressed my lips together, letting them spread my chapstick over again and then bit my lip.

"Maybe just a little more." I giggled and the gap was closed again.

"Do you think they are going to have sex?" I heard his brother whisper, not so well, outside Oliver's room. I pulled back and just as I was going to say something, Oliver beat me to it.

"Stop spying you two idiots!" Oliver shouted to them. I heard their sneaks scrape the wooden steps as they clumsily ran down them. I laughed and rolled off of Oliver.

"Wait, don't leave me. I want to cuddle." He said pulling me closer to him. His arms wrapped around me, entangling me in his warmth.

"When do you work?" I asked.

"Tonight actually." He said with some sadness mixed in.

"I rather be with you, I'm telling my mom tonight." I told him.

"She'll understand. If something happens to happen, call me at work and I'll be right over to you." He told me.

"I'm not going to make you leave work. You need the money for college." I said.

"I much rather be able to comfort you." He said.

"Thanks. I should get going before I talk myself out of telling her." I said. I gave him one last kiss and he hugged me tightly.

I drove myself to my mom's house and parked in the driveway. I sat there for a few minutes pondering in my thoughts. I have no idea how she'll react. I hope it's the way where she'll hug, tell me to be strong and say everything will be okay, and ask me if I want to have a pity party in my room.

I stepped into the house and called out to my mom. I walked up to her bedroom and sat next to her on her bed.

"Is everything okay?" She asked.

"No, not really. I've been meaning to tell you. We may have to go to court again." I said while twirling my thumbs in my lap.

"What for?" She asked with no concern.

"Ryan touched me inappropriately again." I told her.

"Are you serious? Daniella I can't afford to go to court again. You should know to stay away from him. So whatever you are feeling be strong and suck it up." Her words stung me. I shivered slightly and got up. I walked out of her room ashamed. I slammed my door shut and slid down to the ground. Tears streamed down my face as I gasped for air. Why would she say those things? I stretched my sleeved over my hands and wiped my nose. I stood up and changed my clothes. I slid into sweatpants and a sweatshirt. I put the hood over my head and then wandered downstairs into the kitchen. I grabbed a gallon of ice creams and a spoon. I went back up to my room and sat against the frame of my bed and turned the television. I stabbed my spoon into the ice cream and shoved some into my mouth. I instantly got brain freeze and mentally screamed from the cold.

By midnight I was able to finish off the rest of my ice cream. I wouldn't be surprised if Oliver is still working. He gets these weird hours. I feel much better, for now at least. I grabbed my phone and unlocked it. A notification popped up letting me know I have an email.

'Congratulations! you have been accepted to Ridgeview College! We are looking forward to having you.'

Well at least this can make me happy. I hope Oliver still wants to go to there.

***

I closed my locker and was surprised to see Ellen standing. I looked at Oliver who had a skeptical look on his face.

"Thanks to you, Ryan is in prison again. Go to hell." She snarled and walked away.

"God, what is wrong with people?" I said to no one in particular.

"I have no idea. So why didn't you call? You said you would if it went bad. It went bad." Oliver said.

"I wanted to be alone. I was going to tell you either way and I'm not keeping that from you. Just like I'm not keeping my acceptance email to Newton University." I said.

"Congrats, I knew you'd get in!" He exclaimed and brought me in for a hug. Right then and there I knew something was up.

"Is something up?" I asked. He let go of me and looked away sheepishly.

"We've gone over it before. I already told you, my dad wants me going to a different college." He said.

"I know it's been our dream to go to college together. Just make sure you do what you want to do." I told him.

"I want to go to college with you but he is refusing." He told me.

"Then I'll apply to your college instead." I said.

"You already got accepted, don't make yourself work hard again. I'll get in without my dad knowing." He said just as the bell rang for class to start.

"It''s not right. But if it's what you want, I'll support you." I said and gave him a quick peck. He nodded and then began to walk away. I dashed to class, anxiety boiling up inside me. I hate having attention on me. I slowly entered my history class and made my way up to his desk. He gave me a slip and told me to find my seat. I was hoping this was a tardy slip, but to my dismay he'd given me a detention slip. I had to fill out why I had gotten this slip. What am I supposed to say? ' I'm a chatty person.' I had something better to be doing.' 'I don't know.' I could put the last one but then I'd be lying. I was late but I'm never late and he always gives people tardy slips if it is their first time. I'm so confused.